Shanghai, China's financial hub, welcomed 2.6 million international visitors in the first six months of the year, a 44.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Of these, around 1.4 million entered under visa-free arrangements—more than three times the figure for the same period in 2024. South Korea, Japan, the US, Thailand, and Russia were the largest source markets for visitors to the city. Pudong International Airport led the country in international passenger traffic with 2.37 million arrivals.

International tourists are learning how to greet people in Chinese while traveling. Photo: SCMP

International tourists are learning how to greet people in Chinese while traveling. Photo: SCMP

Beijing recorded over 840,000 visa-free entries—double the number from the same period last year—out of a total of 1.49 million international visitors.

In Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, over 287,000 visitors utilized the visa-free policy, a 120% increase compared to the first half of 2024.

Hainan Island, currently positioned to become China's largest free trade port, recorded 663,000 international entries and exits, a 48% increase compared to the same period last year. Around 89% of these were made under visa-free arrangements. It is also the only region allowing citizens of 59 countries to stay for up to 30 days without a visa.

James Liang, Chairman of leading Chinese online travel platform Ctrip, noted that the visa-free policy has boosted the tourism sector. International arrivals to China have recovered to about 70-80% of pre-pandemic levels, and full recovery is possible this year.

However, Liang believes that China still needs to address some bottlenecks to become a global leader in international tourism within the next 10 to 20 years.

Beijing expanded its visa-free policy in late 2023 to attract international tourists and businesspeople back after nearly three years of strict Covid-19 control measures. Many countries, particularly in Asia and Europe, are now eligible for the visa-free program, allowing their citizens to stay for up to 30 days in any location.

In addition, China also allows visa-free entry for some countries under specific conditions, most commonly for transit with valid documentation. Recently, Chinese immigration authorities added Indonesia to this list. Citizens of eligible countries can stay for up to 10 days if they enter through one of 60 international ports in mainland China.

Anh Minh (SCMP)